Newsletters

January

• HOT TOPIC: AI Expectations Underpin the Economic Outlook for 2026

  This article discusses economic forecasts for 2026 and the trends that are influencing them, including surging AI investment.

• Key Tax Law Changes to Higher Education Coming Soon

  The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes many provisions that affect higher education.

• Strategies for Smarter Giving

  In addition to advancing philanthropic goals, strategic charitable donations may offer tax advantages.

• Surprise! It’s Retirement Time

  Considering some important issues now could provide more options in the event of early retirement.

• Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance

  It’s important for heirs to consider how a windfall might be used to strengthen their finances now and over the long term.

December

• HOT TOPIC: The Shutdown is Over: What Now?

  The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended on November 12, 2025. This article looks at the bill that ended the shutdown, issues that are unresolved, and estimates of the economic impact.

• Balancing Life in the Sandwich Generation

  The day-to-day demands of supporting multiple generations can take a toll, but planning and support might help achieve a workable balance.

• Beneficiary Designations: Who Gets the Money?

  It’s a good idea to regularly review beneficiary designations to be sure they are complete and reflect current wishes.

• Life Insurance for Two

  Survivorship life insurance may be a cost-effective coverage solution for older couples or business partners.

• Unpacking the Real Limitations on Unlimited PTO

  The prospect of unlimited paid time off may be appealing, but there are also some potential pitfalls to consider.

November

• HOT TOPIC: Will Tax Law Changes Impact Your Giving Strategy?

  New tax rules will determine the deductibility of donations in 2026 for better or worse, which means taxpayers may want to rethink the timing and amount of their donations for 2025 and beyond.

• Are You Prepared for the High Cost of Dying?

  End-of-life care and the death of a loved one not only carry an emotional price tag, but they often impose a substantial financial strain on families.

• Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

  The Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7 and allows various changes related to Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

• Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

  In many states, a transfer-on-death (TOD) deed and/or account can help avoid probate without the cost and complexity of a trust.

October

• HOT TOPIC: The Fed Lowers Rates in an Economic Balancing Act

  This article looks at the Fed’s dilemma in setting monetary policy to address slowing employment with rising inflation, and the potential effects of lower rates on businesses and consumers.

• Life Insurance Might Help During Turbulent Economic Times

  During periods of economic uncertainty and stock market volatility, life insurance may be a useful tool to consider.

• Grocery Games: Strategies to Help Stretch Your Food Budget

  Food prices have risen more than 22% since the beginning of 2020, but shopping strategically might help households spend less on groceries.

September

• HOT TOPIC: Mining Maelstrom: Why Rare Earths Are Making Headlines

  Outside scientific and national security arenas, many people may not understand the importance of rare- earth minerals. This article helps demystify these critical natural resources.

• Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents

  Having a conversation with parents about their finances is an essential step in helping to ensure their financial well-being as they get older.

• Voluntourism: A Vacation That Makes a Difference

  A volunteer vacation offers an opportunity to give back, meet new people who share common interests, and become immersed in a different culture.

• Why Renters Should Have Their Own Insurance

  Young renters who are just striking out on their own may not realize that a landlord’s insurance policy typically will not cover the destruction or loss of the tenant’s possessions.

August

• HOT TOPIC: What’s in the New Tax Legislation?

  This article provides an overview of some key provisions in the new tax law, commonly called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?

  Completing this simple worksheet can help establish a realistic retirement savings target.

• Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials

  Condominiums are generally priced lower than single-family homes, but condo ownership comes with some special costs and financial implications.

• How Savers and Spenders Can Meet in the Middle

  Couples with opposite philosophies regarding saving and spending often have trouble finding common ground. This article offers tips on working out financial differences.

• Home Appliance Economics

  The prices of new home appliances have declined over the last decade, but repair costs have gone through the roof. Here’s what to consider when facing appliance-buying decisions.

July

• Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?

  The standard monthly Part B premium is $185 in 2025, but premiums for both Part B and Part D can vary based on income levels.

• Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful

  Making a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment is a convenient way to transfer money to family, friends, or businesses — these precautions can help avoid costly mistakes.

• Important Tax Breaks for Pass-Through Businesses

  Some owners of pass-through businesses may be able to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income and/or take generous deductions for investing in qualified property.

June

• HOT TOPIC: Moody’s Downgraded U.S. Debt — Does It Matter?

  On May 16, 2025, Moody’s Ratings downgraded U.S. government debt from its highest rating of Aaa to Aa1. This article looks at the reasons for the downgrade and its potential effects.

• Life Insurance in Retirement

  Life insurance might not seem necessary for retirees or those close to retirement, but there are situations where coverage may make sense.

• Look Out for Observation Care

  The use of observation care, during which a patient may be in a hospital room with hospital services but is not officially admitted, has raised concerns for both patients and providers.

May

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs Drive Market Volatility

  This article explains why tariffs have shaken the markets and provides an overview of long-term trends that may help investors put the current volatility in perspective.

• Debt After Death: What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?

  This article provides an overview of how debts are settled after the death of a loved one.

• Playing Fair: New Consumer Protections for Airline Passengers

  Thanks to a new federal law and rules issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, airline passengers could have extra consumer protections.

• Concerned About Cyberattacks? The Threat Is Real

  Small businesses that handle potentially sensitive information about customers, employees, or competitors should be proactive about addressing this risk.

April

• Breaking Down the Numbers: The Soaring U.S. National Debt

  As of March 2025, the U.S. national debt was a record $36.21 trillion, while the 2024 deficit of $1.83 trillion was the third-highest on record.

• Cancer Happens: Insurance Can Help Fortify Your Finances

  Although it’s scary to consider the possibility of a cancer diagnosis, it might be helpful to prepare for the financial implications.

• Traditional or Roth Contributions? Think It Through for Future You

  When a workplace retirement plan offers both Traditional and Roth accounts, it may help to understand their key features and distinctions.

• The Four-Day Workweek: Is It Destiny or a Distant Dream?

  Wider use of artificial intelligence is one reason that the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken seriously by companies around the world.

March

• HOT TOPIC: Tariffs: How They Work and Potential Economic Effects

  During the first two weeks of February, President Trump authorized two major tariff actions, with more likely to come. This Special Report explains tariffs and how they might affect the U.S. economy.

• Phased Retirement Can Help Smooth the Transition

  The article explains why a phased retirement program can be a positive experience for employees, employers, and customers.

• Read a Good Beige Book Lately?

  The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book provides a concise narrative overview of the economy in each of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Districts and is readily available to the public.